New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonNew Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea but Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. New Guinea Singing Dog may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Chihuahua. New Guinea Singing Dog may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Chihuahua. Both New Guinea Singing Dog and Chihuahua has same life span. Both New Guinea Singing Dog and Chihuahua has almost same litter size. New Guinea Singing Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Chihuahua requires Low maintenance

History

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

chihuahua - historyQuite a bit of the Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, and there are different versions about its origins.

While historians speculate, most will agree that the tiny dog hails from Mexico. The UK Kennel Club considers the smooth- and long coat Chihuahuas as 2 distinct breeds.It was in 1904 that the Chihuahua became a registered breed by the American Kennel Club.

Chihuahua is actually the name of a state in Mexico, and it is amazing that Chihuahua specimens were found way back in the 1800's already. Today the Chihuahua is a very popular dog breed in several countries.

Description

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

chihuahua puppy - descriptionThe small Chihuahua stands at about 15 – 23 cm and he weighs about 1,5 – 4kg.

You’ll notice that he shivers when he is excited or when he is cold or frightened. Some people buy him a jersey to don on cooler days. With this tiny toy dog, you get a short- and a long coated Chihuahua.

This is the smallest dog breed and his coat is available in a number of colors such as fawn, tan, white and black. It is the dog’s round apple-shaped head which is a distinctive feature. He has erect ears and huge fruit-bat type eyes.

Temperament:

The Chihuahua is such an alert, fun-loving, feisty little dog, and though he may appear to be an ideal pet for children, he actually isn’t. He is too dainty and frail, and a child, during play, could accidentally crush him.

It’s a pity though because he just loves being around his human family. He is also a highly strung dog, and given the chance, he’ll nip and even bite during games. It is why socialization and training are considered important for the Chihuahua.

Just like with children, how you raise and treat your Chihuahua will determine how he turns out. He is such a sweet little dog that training and socialization can remove these unwanted characteristics. He is very intelligent and responds well to training.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

chihuahua dog - characteristicsSmall and feisty, the Chihuahua’s personality isn’t set in stone, and the tiny dog can be either shy and timid or he can be social, confident and jaunty.

They're always loyal and affectionate to their human owners, but they don’t get on too well with- and are wary of small children who aren’t disciplined and who could hurt them.

With his big eyes and big ears together with his comical antics, they can be a source of entertainment for their human owners. He is easy to train too and even though he is small, he doesn’t think he is, and he is willing to use his big personality to make you a loving, loyal and devoted companion.

Health Problems

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

chihuahua puppies - health problemsThe Chihuahua doesn't have any particular health issues, more so when you get him from a reputable breeder. With good care he can reach 20 years of age.

Hypoglycemia:

Known as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is easily treatable, but if it isn’t caught early it can be fatal.Hypoglycemia makes a dog lethargic and he’ll shiver and could go into a coma. Get him to the vet immediately.

Bloat:

Gastric Dilatation or bloat is when the stomach twists, it becomes enlarged and blood supply is cut off to the stomach. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Dental Disease:

Chihuahuas are susceptible to dental problems, so you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build-up, gum disease, loss of teeth and other diseases.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

Diet:

chihuahua dogs - caringAlways make sure to choose a high-quality dog food for your Chihuahua as this will keep him in tip-top health. A healthy Chihuahua can live to be 20 years of age. Speak to a veterinarian for recommendations on the best type of food to feed your tiny pet.

Giving him some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken for instance will be a welcome treat for him. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Exercise:

The Chihuahua may well be the smallest toy sized dog breed, but don’t be mistaken – he has plenty of energy and is constantly prancing around. He is more than capable of living in a small apartment, but even so he needs to be taken outside every now and then for a game or a walk.

Be careful with your small pet though, as too much exercise can lead to elbow- and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:

The Chihuahua is a moderate shedder with Spring being their heavier shedding period. Because of his small size, you won’t be bothered by too much hair. The short haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain and with a rubber brush, you can brush him gently twice a week.

You’ll also need to clip his nails and if you can’t manage this your vet can also help you.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Toy dog
Origin:
Papua New Guinea
Mexico
Height Male:
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 20 Years
12 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
2 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
None
Colors Available:
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
Fawn, white and black, tan
Coat:
weather resistant coat double coat breed
Short- and long haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  4. Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  5. Chihuahua vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  6. Chihuahua vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  7. Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  8. Chihuahua vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  9. Morkie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  10. Havanese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  11. Chorkie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  12. Pekingese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  13. Chiweenie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  14. Chug vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  15. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  18. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  19. Phalene vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockachon vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  26. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  27. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  28. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  29. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  31. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  33. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  34. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  35. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  37. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  38. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  39. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  40. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  47. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  48. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  49. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds